Dog Accused of Biting Vanessa Carlton Escapes Death

July 09, 2010 04:40:53 GMT

The pitbull's owner defended her puppy in the court trial by providing a dental work which doesn't match the bite mark on Carlton's leg.

Photo credit: Anthony Dixon/WENN

A dog accused of attacking Vanessa Carlton in May has been saved from death after the pet's owner proved the teeth marks on the singer's leg did not match those of the pooch. The "A Thousand Miles" hitmaker was jogging near her father's home in Shohola, Pennsylvania when a pitbull reportedly broke through its owner's electric fence and sunk its teeth into the star's flesh.

Carlton suffered five puncture wounds on her leg and had to be treated by medics for the injury. The singer lodged a formal complaint with regional dog law enforcement officers against the animal suspect, identified as nine-month-old Bella, and the case went to trial on Thursday, July 8.

Bella's owner argued Carlton's bite marks could not have been caused by her puppy and presented forensic experts in doggy dentistry and behavior to prove her point. The judge accepted the owner's claim and ruled Bella did not have to be put down and could instead return home.

Carlton, who attended the court proceedings, has refused to comment on the decision.